Dubravka Rašanin, president of the Association of Ruthenians in Croatia, said that according to the last census, conducted in 2021, there are 1,343 Ruthenians in Croatia, which, she said, is a significant demographic decline since in 2011, there were 1,936 Ruthenians in Croatia.
"Despite the poor demographic situation, the Association of Ruthenians in Croatia has eight cultural societies that promote the Ruthenian culture, traditions, language and the Eastern Rite Catholic faith," she said, adding that 75% of the Ruthenian community live in Vukovar-Srijem County, with 323 Ruthenians living in Vukovar.
Also present at the event marking the day of Croatian Ruthenians was Vukovar Mayor Ivan Penava.
The first Ruthenians started arriving in what today is eastern Croatia in 1830.